Weʼve raised £775 to Support WestMARC, the West of Scotland Mobility and Rehabilitation Centre.

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Story

I would like to raise money to support WestMARC, the west of Scotland regional centre for patients who require wheelchairs and prosthetics. I would like to support the improvement of the reception area for children and young people.

As some of you know I have knee problems and had been walking with the aid of a stick for almost 2 years. I've had surgery and to benefit my recovery my surgeon recommended weight loss and a bit of cycling and swimming. Feeling pretty sorry for myself post surgery I embarked on a weight loss programme and started upping the miles on my shiny new bike. All good so far...

As part of my work I have visited WestMARC and have met many of the staff providing an excellent service to adults and children (many of whom are amputees). I have found this extremely humbling and it fair put my knee pain into perspective! I told myself "Get on with it John - there are people far worse off than you". During my visits I noted that the reception area wasn't particularly 'child friendly' and thought I might see about raising some money to support some basic improvements. So, I've decided to set myself a few challenges to raise funds to create a more child friendly atmosphere in this clinical setting.

So, supported by my wife, I am about to embark on a series of cycling challenges:

1. Etape Loch Ness, 29th April - 66 miles

2. Tour de Forth, 3rd June - 60.5 miles

3. Pedal for Parkinsons, 19th August - 62 miles

4. Pedal for Scotland, 9th September - 45 miles (plus home and back!)

This will involve a fair amount of training and a few lifestyle changes but I hope you will join me on my journey. Please spare a few pounds or whatever you can afford - I'd really like to support WestMARC to ensure that all children and young people have a warm and welcoming reception area for their treatment and appointments.

Many thanks

John

Updates

6

3 months ago

John Graham

3 months ago

My final challenge-I made it! Cycled into Glasgow (18 miles) to participate in Pedal for Scotland (45 miles) then cycled home (32 miles). 95 miles in total. Really proud of my achievement. Couple of wee incidents on the road but I was determined to finish. We had fun going over the Avon aqueduct and through the Falkirk tunnel coming home.
Thanks so much to everyone who has sponsored me - I'm delighted to help WestMARC make their space more welcoming and positive for children. Your support is appreciated. Donations close Friday 14th.

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4 months ago

John Graham

4 months ago

Today I completed Pedal for Parkinsons Burn Route. 62 miles including 2 steep climbs through Kippen and then (horror) the Dukes Pass from the Aberfoyle side. Great day out with great friends (even better with a surprise Coachie dinner at the end).
Knee wise I've not been too great this summer. Managed the Skinny Tweed in June and a lovely 50 mile route for Calum's Trust in August (both in the Borders) plus a fair few local rides. But I've had to have my knees (and elbow) injected with Ostenil again as pain has been bad. 1 challenge to go!

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7 months ago

John Graham

7 months ago

Ride 2 completed! Tour de Forth - 58 miles around Lothian and Fife and crossing both Forth Road Bridge and Kincardine Bridge. A good start with a few rolling hills. Then we hit Linlithgow and the climbs. It was challenging to say the least but huge thanks to the team helping me around the route; Billy and Mags Morrison and my wife Sarah.
Next ride is in August and includes the infamous Dukes Pass. I’m told there may be some extra miles coming my way before then...
Thanks to all donated to far. Much appreciated! John/JJ/Jolly John xx

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8 months ago

John Graham started crowdfunding

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Page last updated on: 9/11/20187:37 AM

Supporters

53

Martin Fox

Sep 11, 2018

Fantastic effort. Hope the knees are recovering!

£5.00

David McMonagle

Sep 11, 2018

Amanda Bendoris

Sep 10, 2018

Congratulations and kudos to you Jolly Boy John! Awesome achievements on all rides even with a gammy knee ☺️

£25.00

Michelle Humphreys

Sep 9, 2018

Congratulations John on your challenge. Not an easy take. You've done amazing .x